An Eye for an Eye Will Only Make the Whole World Blind (M. Gandhi)
“Of all the tasks of government, the most basic is to protect its citizens from violence”. The greater the importance to safeguarding the community from incitements to the overthrow of our institutions by force and violence, the more imperative is the need to preserve the constitutional rights of free speech, free press and free assembly in order to maintain the opportunity for free political discussion. It is against this background that we must forever conduct our struggles on the higher plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. The people of Sierra Leone are embarking on a fundamental issue of humanity; to choose our leaders in a democratic fashion; but when the freedom and liberty to do so comes with hands dabbled in blood, it is hard to shake hands with her (Oscar Wilde).
It is obvious that one cannot shake hands with a clenched fist, and political power should not grow out of the barrel of a gun; as violence has always been the last refuge of incompetence. Sierra Leoneans the world over have been wishing, praying and hoping that the November 17 elections will pass peacefully. No one needs a reminder of what violence begets. Our recent history is testimony to the nasty side of violence. But no sooner had some of us gone to town in praise of the carnival atmosphere that greeted the nomination day, than certain miscreants have contrived to reduce all the hard work of well meaning citizens; courtesy of the twin factors of intolerance and ignorance.
Intolerance is itself a form of violence and an obstacle to the growth of a true democratic spirit. While some will see elections as just a game, others tend to regard it as a matter of life and death. There is no justification for injury or loss of life, in the name of politics. All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for the development accorded the individual (Albert Einstein). And there can be no higher calling of leadership than the growth and development of the people.
It is without doubt, that no matter how rich in resources a country may be political instability and development or investments do not make good bedfellows. Africa has the unenviable history of political interregna and instability. To a very large extent, this political smear has successfully kept investments and its attendant developments dormant for a very long time. The fact that investments are now flowing into Africa, courtesy of the “Chinese invasion” is testament to the fact that good governance breeds good business. In Sierra Leone’s recent past, we have seen companies like African Mining, London Mining, Koidu Holdings etc., become tenants of the country. This is not down to luck, but down to the belief and confidence that investors have in the socio-political situation of the country in the last decade.
Sierra Leone like the rest of Africa was a hot potato, as far as development was concerned. A common mantra that was always spewed along the corridors of Western Nations was that, “It is risky to invest in Africa”. Since the inception of the “millennium goals”, which focussed on “ending the violence of extreme poverty: promoting empowerment and building peace”, there has been a marked sea change on the tidal coasts of Africa. It is now considered “risky not to invest in Africa”. It is easy to conclude that the lure of Africa’s resources has proved too irresistible; considering how volatile Western economies have become of late. But these resources were all there when it was considered “risky to invest in Africa” in the first place. So what has changed?
It might not be the single factor, but to a large extent, the continent’s political stability, though fledgling, has contributed to this throwback. It is also not surprising that unlike the OAU, which masqueraded as a talking shop, the African Union has been very vital in the political lifeblood of the continent. The AU’s recent interventions in places like Cote D’Ivoire, Darfur, Somalia, and potentially Mali are in effect, a clear manifestation of the need for political stability, as a necessary ingredient for the progress of the continent.
In Sierra Leone today, we have seen many strides taken in the name of and towards infrastructural development. The last five years have seen a marked improvement in the country. This is not a call for complacency, as there is more that can be achieved, judging by the country’s potential and resources. The President and his government would, to a large extent claim the kudos for these, and equally Sierra Leoneans as stakeholders, should also be seen as part of all these developments. The last five years have seen noticeable improvements in infrastructural development. “One justifiable purpose of political institutions is to ensure the unhindered development of the individual” (Einstein). With Sierra Leone ranked 128 out of 142 in the Global Prosperity Index 2012, we should take heart and hope that our brighter days are still ahead.
It was therefore disheartening to hear of scuffles between opposing political party supporters in Kono recently. Though undesirable, it might not come as a surprise to many people, who are familiar with the history of Kono District. Among others; it is the general opinion that Kono is now becoming the American Ohio in the elections. It is fast becoming the apparent decider in the polls, if reports are anything to go by. History teaches us that when the APC, under late Siaka Stevens needed a majority to take control of the house; it was late Chief Mbriwa that swapped over, at the last minute to APC; which clinched the victory. The last elections saw Kono voting overwhelmingly for the SLPP party, but reports indicate a seeming shift of political allegiance recently.
Sadly, Kono District has the unenviable record of suffering from the “resource curse”. It is no secret that the region accounts for a significant percentage of the country’s economy. But like a curse, it is the same wealth of the region that ironically served as the nectar that attracted the worst atrocities during the rebel war. Last year saw a similar skirmish between ministers which resulted in shots being fired in Koidu Town. It is sad that after the entire carnival atmosphere that greeted the nominations and campaigns of the last week, the ugly head of violence has reared its head again in the area. You would think that the visit of the Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan will bring exactly what it says on the tin.
The reported violence that seems to bubble around has been largely attributed to the youths. Our recent history shows how easy it is for the youths to be caught up in such fiascos. Through no fault of theirs, we saw how a whole generation was unlawfully and against all animal instincts, conscripted as child soldiers; to carry out the worst atrocities in living memory. The resulting trauma remains a hidden scar on the conscience of the citizenry. Youth is the first victim of war, the first fruit of peace. It takes 20 years or more of peace to make a man; it only takes 20 seconds of war to destroy him.
As a double jeopardy, the youths remain the most unemployed and vulnerable in the country, yet. Trapped between the jaws of poverty and vulnerability, some of our unscrupulous politicians have wasted no time in exploiting the situation. Aware that the passion in youths is stronger, but ignorant of the fact that their control over their passion is weaker, some people are taking full advantage of this. Youth is a talent, but a perishable one, and the youth of a nation should be seen as the trustees of our posterity. In reality, passion should rebuild the world for the youth and our inability to restrain the violence of the youth is our collective failure. We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends. What a crime to waste it on violence. There were reports that some politicians are already corralling children from schools to swell their campaign sessions. Involving children in this kind of charade is taking precious time from growing up.
One wonders what kind of world we intend to bequeath to the youths of today. We seem to be creating a sad future with youths that have been born into, and fed on a diet of violence; courtesy of their vulnerable position. The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy; and good habits formed at youth could make all the difference. While some politicians think of the next election, statesmen and all well meaning citizens should rise above it, and think of the next generation. The foundation of every community is the education of its youth; for we cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.
As we make our way to the polling stations on November 17, let us remember one thing: that irrespective of our tribal, religious or political differences, “we all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more” (Bill Clinton).
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